UNK’s Aviation Program hopes to address pilot shortage

KEARNEY, Neb. (KLKN) – We have seen a shortage in pilots for the last decade, but the University of Nebraska – Kearney could potentially address that issue with their Aviation Program.

It’s been Emily Farley’s lifelong dream to be a pilot.

“I knew aviation was something I wanted to get into at some point, whether it was a career or as a hobby,” Farley said.

And now that dream will soon become a reality.

Farley is in her third year of the Aviation Program at the University of Nebraska – Kearney, one of the only programs like it in the state.

“Our focus is on developing aviation professionals to fill the industry needs across the nation and internationally. Our academic classes are held at the UNK campus, our flight classes are held at the Kearney Regional Airport, which is only a 10 min drive east of campus. Our flight students get regular flying in between their academic classes during the week and they usually fly also on the weekend,” Captain David Ballinger, the Director of the program said.

It’s a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science and Aviation degree. The program has been around for over 30 years, but it’s never been more important than right now. We’re seeing a shortage of pilots and the program hopes to address that issue.

“The current estimates predict that the global shortage of between 600,000 – 700,000 commercial pilots and ground staff over the next 15 to 20 years, COVID notwithstanding. So at UNK, we have recently tailored our program to meet those specific needs of the aviation industry. We’re not developing just, pilots and aviation managers, but we’re building young men and women with superior leadership skills ready to enter the workforce,” Ballinger said.

Farley says she’s most excited for all of the opportunities that await her and her fellow classmates in the aviation industry.

“I know I want to be in aviation, I know I want to fly, that’s my passion, but I don’t necessarily want to do just one thing after I graduate. I’m interested in doing flight instruction for a while, I’d really like to get into helicopters as well, kind of a variety of things,” Farley said.

The University of Nebraska – Omaha also has an aviation program.

Ballinger encourages any student or parent interested in an aviation career to contact UNK and learn more.